Dose of Healthcare Logo
Search
Close this search box.

6 Harmful Foods to Eat on an Empty Stomach

red and yellow chili

After sleeping for eight hours at night, it is reasonable to find yourself waking up and hungry. Your body works even when you are asleep. Considering the length of time your body has not gotten any liquid or solid energy provider, it will crave anything to make it feel full. However, that does not mean you can eat or drink just anything you see in your pantry. Some healthy foods can harm your empty stomach if you take them on their own.

If you do not want to have any complications in your gut, avoid eating any of the following foods on an empty stomach:

Cold drinks

It may always feel good and refreshing to drink a cold beverage, such as iced coffee or chilled water, after sleeping on a dry throat. However, drinking cold refreshments without eating first may slow down your digestive system. Cold beverages can affect the body’s blood vessels. These chilled drinks can cause contractions that can restrict the digestion process. 

Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks are never healthy options, but taking them on an empty stomach can bring more danger to your health. Your stomach naturally excretes acids for food digestion. When they get mixed with the carbonated acids, the fusion can lead to other health issues like gas, nausea, stomach cramps, and pain.

Citrus fruits

Fruits are healthy foods, but you should know the right time to eat them. Like carbonated drinks, citrus fruits like oranges and guavas are highly acidic. Eating these fruits without eating anything first can increase acid production in your stomach. Aside from that, the fiber and fructose they contain can also slow down your digestion.

Coffee

Another morning staple that people should not drink without eating food first is the coffee. Coffee is made up of various acids to produce the brew you crave. Drinking coffee can help jumpstart your day; however, it can also immediately start the production of acid in your stomach. When coffee reaches your empty stomach, your stomach lining may be damaged or irritated. Drinking coffee can also cause nausea, heartburn, and indigestion. 

Uncooked vegetables 

Some people eat salad or raw vegetables in the morning to stay healthy. While these foods are indeed healthy, they are not advisable to be eaten on an empty belly. Uncooked vegetables have high coarse fiber. That means they can be heavy on your stomach, and in return, you will have bulkier bowel movements. Too much fiber can slow down or stop digestion. It can also lead to bloating, stomach pain, and constipation. 

Foods high in spices and chilies

Spicy foods can be irritating to the eyes and nose. Imagine how much damage it can bring into a sensitive and empty stomach. When your stomach gets irritated, it can lead to cramps and other acidic reactions. 

Conclusion

All healthy foods have their downsides, too, if people are not informed of the dos and don’ts of consuming them. If any items listed above are your favorite or morning go-to, you can still eat or drink them. Just make sure to full your stomach first and take them in moderation. 

To learn more about health news today, bookmark this site. We bring you the latest healthcare news articles to keep you updated. Follow us on social media to get notified too.